Well, Arrieta was the Orioles’ Opening Day starter. He still holds significant promise. And some in the organization believe that the team would be foolish to give up on him, major-league sources say.

Here’s the problem: The Orioles don’t want to trade either of the top prospects, Double A shortstop Manny Machado or Single A right-hander Dylan Bundy.

Thus, Arrieta could be in play.

“I think they would move him,” one rival executive said. “They don’t have much choice if they want true upgrades and won’t trade their premium guys.”

Arrieta, 25, currently is at Triple A, working with the Orioles’ pitching guru, former Oakland Athletics and New York Mets pitching coach Rick Peterson.

He is 19-23 with a 5.27 ERA for the Orioles in his career, 3-9 with a 6.13 ERA this season. But some club officials believe it is unfair to judge Arrieta on his 2012 performance. He underwent surgery last August to remove a bone spur from his right elbow, and might not return to form until next season.

One rival executive says that Arrieta actually would be better as a reliever, citing the “roughness” in his delivery. Either way, teams love his arm.

If the Orioles are willing to trade Arrieta, it could help them get the player they need.